Lifetime Caps
There is a $135,318.69 lifetime cap on the contributions you make to your aged care services across Support at Home and residential aged care. Once this cap has been reached you will not be asked to pay more, the government will pay the remaining participant contributions.
A four-year cap also applies to the non-clinical care contributions. The fee ceases after a person pays it for 4 years, even if they have not reached the lifetime cap amount.
I have a question. I had a Home Care Package and have now heard about this new 4 year rule. What does that mean for me?
 
        
    If you opt into the new system, you will stop paying the non-clinical care contribution after 4 years of contributions, or after their total contributions reach $135,318.69 - whichever they reach first. Any contributions made previously in home care or in means tested care fees will count towards the $135,318.69 cap. For a resident opting into the Aged Care Act 2024 fee arrangements, the 4-year rule to the nonclinical care contributions will be counted from the date they opt in.
Jill Donaldson
agedcare101 Physiotherapist
In summary:
- Fees paid under the Commonwealth Home Support Program don't count towards the Home Care annual and lifetime caps
- The percentage you pay will depend on your financial circumstances (income + assets) and the type of service you receive
- If you don’t provide the required income/assets information when asked, you may be required to pay at the highest contribution rate
- The lifetime cap currently $135,318.69 (as of November 1st 2025) and is transferable between the Support at Home program and residential aged care

 
                     
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                     
                     
                    